Story perspectives

UN urges fossil-fuel project freeze as El Niño heats up

8/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for halt to coal, oil and gas projects while El Niño intensifies.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo urged governments to prepare for heat, drought and floods.
Central Pacific sea-surface temperatures may rise more than 2.9 °C (5.22 °F) above normal.
El Niño is expected to peak August-October, driving higher global temperatures and mixed rainfall.
India faces a chance of below-normal monsoon rain, raising drought and wildfire risk.

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Story summary

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for halt to coal, oil and gas projects while El Niño intensifies.
World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo urged governments to prepare for heat, drought and floods.
Central Pacific sea-surface temperatures may rise more than 2.9 °C (5.22 °F) above normal.
El Niño is expected to peak August-October, driving higher global temperatures and mixed rainfall.
India faces a chance of below-normal monsoon rain, raising drought and wildfire risk.